In this episode of Let’s Talk South Coast, we explore how space innovation, workforce development and placemaking are shaping the South Coast’s economic future. Nella is joined by Louise Butt from Space South Central; Professor David Hutchinson from the University of Portsmouth; and Marelize de Beurs, from Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council, to unpack what makes the region a compelling place to invest, work and build long-term growth.

What you’ll hear about in this episode:

• Why the South Coast is one of the UK’s most established and fast-growing space clusters
• The infrastructure and real estate challenges facing micro-SMEs in high-growth sectors
• The role universities play in aligning skills, innovation and industry demand
• How degree apprenticeships and professional accreditation support workforce resilience
• What placemaking really means and why wellbeing matters
• How Basingstoke’s “invest in happiness” narrative supports inward investment
• Why the South Coast must communicate more confidently as a unified economic region

Companies & Organisations Mentioned:

• Space South Central Enterprise Network
• University of Portsmouth
• Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council
• Eli Lilly
• Sony
• South Coast space, marine and maritime sectors
• Local government and education partners across the Solent

Shoutouts:

• Micro-SMEs driving innovation across the South Coast
• Universities supporting skills, research and entrepreneurship
• Local authorities embedding wellbeing and quality of life into economic strategy
• Businesses collaborating across traditionally siloed sectors

About Our Guests:

Louise Butt
Director at Space South Central, supporting one of the UK’s most established space clusters. Louise works closely with industry, developers and local partners to ensure the region can support rapid growth across the space value chain.

Professor David Hutchinson
Professor at the University of Portsmouth, focused on skills, innovation and workforce development. David champions the “triple helix” model of collaboration between universities, industry and government to tackle shared economic and climate challenges.

Marelize de Beurs
Economy and Place Marketing Manager at Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council, leading an inward investment narrative centred on wellbeing, productivity and work-life balance. Marelize brings a people-first perspective to economic growth and place-based strategy.

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